"Lionize" arises from the notebooks of singer/ guitarist/ songwriter and performing artist Michael Bakkensen. Drawing on volumes of poetry, journals, dreams, visions and late night conversations across the country, the music takes us on a journey from the heart of Houston, Texas ("Buffalo Bayou") to the cold, dark streets of Hartford, Connecticut ("With You in Mind", commissioned by a homeless man there). It tells the stories of the homeless and hopeless, the dead and the dreaming, the betrayed and the resurgent. The title track "Lionize" is dedicated to Dylan Thomas, a poet killed by fame and adulation.
Along the way are the apocalyptic visions of "Night Comes" and "Bringing the Building Down"-- songs inspired by the restless movement of seasons and people, the destruction of the seemingly permanent. There are also the unexpected triumphs that rise out of defeat, like the busboy returning to Guanajuato, defeated by the City, but finally a man ready to embrace the love he left behind. Or the abandoned partner of "Cherry Tree" who finally sees the buds ready to explode again.
The music began simply, several chords and the truth. But the influence of Jazz, Soul, Classic Rock, Joni Mitchell, Jack White, Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone, and Harry Nilsson added layers of complexity and undulations. Not satisfied with simply reproducing the live vibe of Bakkensen's solo gigs, Michael reached out to experienced producer, prolific writer, and multi instrumentalist Alan Cohen to flesh out the tunes. This album represents over a year of rewriting, fine tuning, arranging, mixing and mastering. The songs represent a lifetime of experience.
Here you will find a dynamic listening experience, designed to move you, groove you, and touch your heart. Listen deeply to the lyrics and connect with our land and our time. You may find in the end that the longer you're living the more you forget but the more you forget the less you regret. In the end you may find... we belong.
Read more...